The Coven

31st of October, 1998.

It was cold and the wind was blowing harshly. The sky was grey and uninviting. Golden light glowed from the nearby houses and pumpkins decorated porches. Harry was sitting by his parents' graves. Flowers decorated the stone. He had been telling them about the past year, but now he just sat there quietly.

"Mind some company?"

Harry rolled his eyes. "Duno, are you planning on calling me a Death Eater again?" he said jokingly.

"I… I'm sorry about that. I wasn't thinking," Sirius said as he sat down next to Harry.

"Apology accepted," Harry said. "Wanna help me plan a Christmas party? I'm inviting the Tonkes for the whole thing and quite a few more for Boxing Day."

Sirius chuckled. "That could be quite fun," he said. "I'm doing a lot for the Order right now, but we should be able to get some planning in. Haven't done anything like that in a while."

Harry stood up and patted his parents' grave. "Draco will be there. You better not be mean to him," he said.

"Little Malfoy is just getting the chance Regulus never got, I guess," Sirius said. He ruffled his hair and looked around. "I shouldn't have accused you like that…" He stood up. "I just… Lucius really rubs me the wrong way."

"He is trying to do the right thing," Harry said.

"Or is he just trying to save his own skin?" Sirius said.

"He could be, but he is at least doing it by joining the good guys this time. Does that mean he should be forgiven for all the bad things he has done… maybe not. I can't judge him for that, though. My Master and my mentor were assassins. They both killed people because they were told to."

Sirius shuddered. "You are so blasé about that," he said. "I don't know how to feel about it."

"I can kill if I find it necessary to do so," Harry said. "I prefer not to. I still will if needed."

Sirius closed his eyes and moved away. He wasn't sure how to handle Harry. He wasn't supposed to be this jaded or this mature. He had been in a bloody war after all. "It isn't the same," he said.

"No not quite," Harry said. "I'm passing judgment based on what I see not what I'm told. I decided to do things that way when I got back here. That means I'll give people who you don't like a chance because I see they are capable of change. You don't have to like those people, but don't tell me I'm not allowed to handle things my way."

Sirius nodded slowly. "I can do that as long as I don't have to play nice with them," he said.

"Deal," Harry said. "But you have to be able to forgive people my age based on their circumstances."

Sirius nodded slowly. "For Regulus, I'll do my best," he said.

"Let's meet up next weekend to start planning," Harry said. "I want to make it something big."

Sirius smiled. "With a lot of guests," he said.

"We're going to need help," Harry said. "Charlie will help us and Remus can help plan, but he needs to take care of Leoline. Draco could probably be talked into helping if he gets to invite some people."

"No confirmed Death Eaters and I promise that I'll behave," Sirius said. "Even if they are former Snakes."

"Sounds fair enough," Harry said. "I'll have a chat with them when I get home and I'll see you soon."

"Yeah, I better get back to what I was doing," Sirius said. "We don't want the Death Eaters to get a drop on us like Hogsmeade again."

"Be careful," Harry said.

"Ditto."

Sirius turned into a dog and ran off.

Harry looked after him for a while before heading home. He was a bit nervous. Sanguini had invited him to an event humans didn't often get to see. He was going to be surrounded by Vampires and he couldn't afford to show weakness. He stepped into his bedroom and turned to a closet he didn't often open. He pulled it open and placed a hand on his armour. Maybe it was a bit much, but he wasn't going to care about that. He reached out to Oblivion and touched upon the consciousness of the frost atronach he knew. Unlike the lady of fire he had managed to strike a deal with, the frost atronach was a lesser one. They helped Harry in exchange for pretty trinkets and were partial to glass.

Harry slowly put his armour on. Ice speared over his skin for a moment before disappearing from view. He considered being visibly armed but decided against it. His hood was down and he looked himself in the mirror. He was Prince Harry and he was going to be every inch the prince that evening. Silver adorned his head as he left his room. His gems gleamed against his armour.

"At least you are going prepared," Remus said as he saw him.

"I'm not a fool, Remus," Harry said.

"I didn't say you were," Remis said. "It suits you."

"It was meant to," Harry said. "Besides, what's the point of owning it if I never use it?"

Remus laughed. "Just be careful," he said.

"Promise," Harry said. He headed outside and walked slowly towards the dragon sanctuary. Charlie was standing in a group of young dragons. They were flying around happily while showing off what they could do. They had all taken really well to Charlie and Draco despite them not being Dragonborn.

"I'll be heading out soon," Harry said as he reached them.

Charlie turned and froze. He had seen Harry in his armour before but damn he looked sexy in it. "Come back in one piece," he said as he leaned in for a kiss.

"Not fangless," Harry said.

"I don't really care about that as long as you are alright," Charlie said. He knew Harry wasn't planning on being turned, but he wasn't going to walk the other way if it happened.

"Love you," Harry said. He turned around and teleported. Sanguini had said he would pick him up at Gringotts. He would be a little early, but that just gave him time to speak to Dumac for a bit.

Green eyes scanned the people walking into the bank. He had hidden himself from human eyes just to avoid the stares.

Sanguini was wearing a deep hood. His red eyes glowed faintly, though Harry doubted anyone else noticed. Sanguini's eyes met Harry's, he smirked showing off his sharp teeth. "Truly, you do hide more than I could have guessed," he said softly. Despite the deep hood, Harry could see that he looked healthier. "You have been feeding," he said quietly.

Sanguini laughed. "It was an experiment to see how long I could go," he said. "Foolish maybe, but good for me to know. When I had trouble thinking straight I fed. Though, you were certainly tantalising enough to make things difficult." He held his arm out. "We will middle land in my home," he said. "I wish to prepare you for what is to come to some extent. Walking in blind is seldom a good idea."

Harry took the offered arm. Travelling with a Vampire was different than apparition. As a matter of fact, Sanguini moved through the same grey space that Dusty moved through.

Sanguini didn't comment as they landed in the foyer of his home, but he was impressed. Humans tended to find long-distance travel quite disorienting yet Harry seemed unfaced.

"Am I right in assuming that there will be more humans present tonight?" Harry said.

"You would."

"Will anyone die?"

"No, though some may be turned. It is considered bad form to kill humans when feeding. We have certain potions we can give them that will make sure they do not turn from the feeding. Other potions make sure they have no memory of the incident. Tonight the humans we bring are there willingly in hopes that one of us will turn them or for other lesser rewards."

They entered a comfortable yet stylish drawing room and sat down.

"So everyone brings someone," Harry said.

Sanguini smiled. He was no longer hiding under his hood. "You will be there as my guest. I have let them know I'm bringing you. Though maybe not in so many words. There are those who will insist on turning you once they learn who you are," he said. "Stay calm. No harm will come to you."

"I certainly hope so," Harry said, though he was smiling impishly. He didn't mind a challenge. He certainly wasn't afraid.

Sanguini rolled his eyes. "They won't know what hit them. Poor sods," he said. He didn't look sorry at all. To be honest he was looking forward to seeing what would happen. Vampires tended to get set in their ways. Every once in a while someone had to stir the pot. He told Harry the general theme of one of their meetings and smiled at the questions Harry asked. Once he had said all he could, he rose slowly and headed for the door. "I wish to introduce you to the young ladies I'll be bringing. I will ask them what payment they prefer in exchange for their services tonight. I have no one that I wish to turn this time."

Harry rose and followed him. A few rooms away was a room with soft colourful drapes and big pillows all over the floor. Five women were gathered. Some looked more comfortable than others. They had quite clearly been offered clothes for the evening that showed off their assets and necks. Two of the girls quickly moved over to Sanguini as he entered and started talking to him. He winked at Harry before disappearing among the drapes. Out of the three girls that were left two looked like this was strictly business and one seemed really uncomfortable.

"You are not a vampire," one of the girls said.

"Quite correct," Harry said.

"Why are you here?"

"I have been invited to attend," Harry said.

"You are not going to become a vampire, are you? I know those two want to," she looked after the girls who had disappeared with Sanguini.

"I am not," Harry said. "At least that isn't the plan." He walked forward and sat down on a divan.

"You look like a king from some fantasy tale," the other girl said. "Isn't that a little much?"

Harry laughed. "It has its reasons. My sister is a Queen you know." He leaned back and chuckled as he saw their disbelief. "I believe that Sanguini wanted to know what you would like in exchange for your participation tonight. He seems to have gotten held up though."

"I just want money," the girl who had spoken to him first said.

Harry nodded slowly. "I doubt that will be a problem," he said. It wouldn't even if Sanguini didn't like it for some reason. He could always make sure she was paid.

"I want someone gone. He won't leave me alone. He is threatening my friends and family. I want him out of my life," the other girl said.

"That can certainly be taken care of though I will need to know who this person is," Harry said. She handed him a picture and wrote his name and any other information she could give him down.

"Will you kill him?" the girl who seemed uncomfortable asked.

"There are a lot of ways to deal with someone that won't end up with them dead," Harry said. "I won't even harm him, but I can guarantee that he will never bother her again."

Her eyes were large as she studied him over her knees. "I can ask for anything?" she asked.

"Anything… though I can't promise that it can be done. I will tell you if it can't though," Harry said. "I promise that I'm honest."

"If you aren't honest, that promise means nothing," the first girl said.

Harry just shrugged. She was right, but there was nothing he could do about that.

"Can I tell only you?" the shy girl asked.

"Sure," Harry said. He walked over to her and pulled a drape closed. The sound of the other two girls disappeared. He didn't say anything. He didn't feel like pushing her. She could tell him what she wanted in her own time.

"I'm pregnant," the girl said. "No one knows and I can't go to a clinic. If mother and father find out… I'm terrified. I don't want to have babies. I never want to get pregnant ever…"

Harry nodded slowly. She was young and could easily change her mind. That didn't matter that much when magic was concerned though. "I will be honest," he said. "I'm a doctor and I can help you. I don't want to take away your ability to become pregnant…" he held a hand up. "But I can make sure it won't happen unless you come back to me and ask for me to reverse the procedure."

"Would I have to do this again?" the girl asked.

"No," Harry said. "I'll leave you with a number you can call."

"Will it hurt?" the girl asked.

"You won't even notice it. Nothing will change for you, but you won't be able to become pregnant again and the current pregnancy will be terminated. Don't worry about it." Harry said.

She smiled at him. "Thank you," she said.

"No problem," Harry said. He moved the drapes back again as he stood up. Sanguini still hadn't returned and Harry doubted he would anytime soon. He didn't mind that much. The girls were nice to talk to. They were all non-magical so he had to be a little careful with what he said and did. He knew they wouldn't remember much, but he still didn't want to give anything away.

"We need to get going," Sanguini said as he finally returned. He hurried downstairs and walked outside. A limousine drove up and Sanguini motioned for them to get in. Harry sat with a girl to either side of him. He could tell how nervous they were. Even the ones who were keeping up a brave face. He looked over at Sanguini. 'Can I offer them some courage?' he asked telepathically.

Sanguini's eyes widened momentarily. 'Certainly,' he responded. 'We prefer to avoid alcohol. It flavours the blood.' He grabbed onto the girls next to him when the wave of magic hit. It didn't affect him, but he could feel it dance in the air all around him. The girls calmed down and started chatting with each other. Harry mostly listened. He didn't know that much about life in the non-magical world even though he tried to keep up to date. He didn't mind listening to them though.

The drive was long. An hour later they still had not arrived.

Sanguini didn't seem the least bit bothered by it so Harry didn't pay it much mind. They would arrive when they were there.

Darkness fell outside.

Stars could be seen twinkling down on Earth.

The car finally slowed down to a stop and they got out. Two figures hidden in dark cloaks stood by a gothic-styled gate.

"Sanguini," a soft masculine voice said. "You have brought many for the feast."

"Five you told," the second person said. "Who is your princeling friend?"

"Harry Potter," Harry said calmly.

"Here to be turned, young saviour?"

"My destiny is another. I need not give myself to eternal hunger to live forever," Harry said.

"All are accounted for," the man said. "You are welcome to the Comming of Darkness. Please enter and walk the path."

Sanguini walked first. His steps were slow and calculated. All around them grew thick trees. No stars could be seen anymore. The air was warm and a fire burned ahead. The smell of smoke reached them. Sanguini pulled the girls closer as they reached the fires.

It was easy to tell who the vampires were. Their pale skin and red eyes gave them away. Many of them were surrounded by humans, others kept to themselves or stood with other vampires. Many turned their heads as Sanguini entered. They studied the group with some lingering on Harry longer than the others as they made their way down to a small area away from the fire.

"Most are already here," Sanguini said. "Kain still has not shown, and the event will not start without him so I believe we arrived at a good time." He turned to Harry. "Don't leave the fire but feel free to walk around. Don't approach anyone without permission. We can be a little possessive of our own."

Harry nodded. "I'll be right back," he said. He could see the clear divides between different groups. He knew just how much his memories would be worth to the goblins and Hermione would love a copy after this. He would have to bottle them. Not that he minded. He wanted to make sure that they got as much as he could give them. It was clear to see which vampires cared about the humans they had brought and who didn't. Their body language spoke volumes even if they didn't say a word to Harry as he passed by them.

"Hello, handsome." The voice was rich and smooth like dark chocolate.

Harry turned around and smirked as he saw the ice travelling up her fingers. She had tried to touch him and the frost atronach had reacted. She was beautiful with red almost mulberry purple eyes and porcelain skin. Her features were east Asisn though Harry couldn't pinpoint exactly where she might have originated from. He knew just by being near her that she had been turned a long time ago. "Greetings m'lady," he said calmly.

"Why don't you come and join me? It's unusual for anyone to invite a guest. Sanguini must see something very special in you," she said.

Harry raised an eyebrow as he tried to gauge whether she simply wished to talk or not.

She smiled showing off her sharp teeth. "No ulterior motive. I promise," she said.

"That is an easy thing to say," Harry pointed out. "But I wouldn't mind someone to talk to. Sanguini is easily distracted, it would seem."

She laughed. "Oh, quite," she said. "I'm Ari-Eun, what may I call you?"

"Harry," Harry said. He followed her to a divan where she sat down and patted the dark blue silk next to her. He sat down and looked towards the fire. As far as he could see she had brought no humans. Though, he guessed she might not keep them with her if they were brought only for the festivities.

"So… Harry, what brings you to a Coming of Darkness? You are no creature of the night," Ari-Eun asked.

"Nor am I a creature of the light," Harry pointed out and he could tell that his answer amused her. "Curiosity brought me. Sanguini and I met at a party. He found my lack of fear in his presence refreshing so he invited me."

"You are a wizard then," Ari-Eun said.

"Something along those lines. I could be called many things. Wizard, mage, warrior, dragonborn," Harry shrugged. "I can perform magic in many ways. I'm in no way limited to wand waving."

Ari-Eun chuckled. "Oh, I see," she said. "You are in for a treat then. Few humans get to experience a Darkness with their memories intact. Though I should warn you that it will be intense even for you."

Harry smiled calmly at her before looking over towards the fire. "Thank you for the warning," he said. They sat together for a while as Ari-Eun told Harry who the different vampires were while also asking questions of her own. The fire died down and everyone seemed to move closer to the embers.

"You are in my seat," someone suddenly growled.

Harry looked up at a vampire who was quite young unlike Ari-Eun, he seemed to be near newly turned.

"I was invited," Harry said calmly. He doubted this youngling held any power over Ari-Eun even if their dynamic may be portrayed as such. "If Lady Ari-Eun is bothered by my presence I shall leave. Until then I will stay right here." He felt the hand close around his throat and the frost atronach reacting. He wasn't content with leaving such a direct attack to his ally, however. "Fus Ro Dah," he breathed softly and the power of his voice threw the vampire back. A spear of ice formed in his hand and a torrent of snow formed around him as he rose from the seat. He had chosen ice to fight the vampires since it wouldn't hurt them as badly as fire would. "Tiid Klo Ul," he shouted as the vampire moved up against him once more. Cuts was all he left behind. Unlike humans, whom he slowed down so much they could barely perceive him, the vampire could still fight him. He paired strikes and dealt his own blows before throwing the vampire back again. His shout ended and time returned to normal or rather their perception of time returned to normal.

"That's enough!" Ari-Eun said sharply.

"He's a human," the youngling said. "He needs to know his place."

"He's playing with you, child. Toying with you like a cat. You shall seize this behaviour at once."

"He's not even hurt me. I can take him. He'll get tired."

"He'll kill you and no one here will raise a finger to stop him," Ari-Eun said. "If you wish to die so badly I shall find another to take your place." Unlike her partner, Ari-Eun could see that Harry wasn't fighting seriously. She knew this would not end well for her young companion, yet she didn't feel inclined to stop him. If nothing else his foolishness would teach other vampires that fighting Harry was a bad idea.

"You will not take Ari from me," the young vampire roared as he jumped at Harry.

Harry drew his sword and left a long gash along his opponent's chest. Lightning danced from his hand as he faced the vampire. He caught a clawed hand and let the lightning dance. If a vampire could bleed there would be a lot of it. Harry pushed the youngling away. "Give up," he said.

"Never!"

Harry moved his feet apart. "Yol Toor Shul!" he shouted and fire enveloped his foe until only ashes remained. "I'm not here to hurt anyone," he said calmly. "But I am a warrior and I will fight to defend myself."

"No one blames you, Harry," Ari-Eun said calmly as she walked up to him. "You however seem to have taken my partner from me."

"I apologise, my Lady," Harry said. "He was quite insistent."

"You owe me a dance," Ari-Eun said.

"It shall be my honour. My Lady." Harry said with a bow. She motioned for him to sit back down next to her and he joined her.

It was quiet for a little while before people started speaking amongst themselves once more.

A group of elder vampires walked in over the dying coals. Their cloaks covered their heads. A low soft hum spread over everyone gathered and they started chanting in a language unknown to Harry. Darkness danced up all around them. A soft red mist glowed faintly as it swirled in over the burnt-out fire. There was power in the air. Ancient and unknown. The hairs on Harry's arms were standing on end. If he knew more he would have joined the song, but he had no way to tell how that could affect them. He could feel the pull build slowly until the other humans moved down towards the swirling magic and the Elders. The chanting rose and as it started to fall once more the humans fell to their knees.

Next to Harry Ari-Eun rose. She smiled at him before heading down with the other vampires. Bodies moved closer. Blood flowed. The smell was so overwhelming that Harry considered putting on his mask to block it out. He didn't stop watching though. No matter how intimate the ritual seemed to be.

Minutes or maybe hours later Ari-Eun returned to him. The humans were moved aside and vampires were pairing up as music started playing.

"Will you give me that dance now?" Ari-Eun asked. Her hand was held out towards him, blood still smeared across her pale skin. Harry rose and took the offered hand. She led him down to the others. They moved fluidly with the music, and Harry used every ounce of his training with both Rashall and Fleur to keep up with them.

The chanting had never stopped, but it was more hopeful now than it had been. With every step the power grew. With every spin something seemed to change.

"Koga Los Fin Vulon," Harry said softly. He didn't direct his magic at all but as far as he could tell it joined with the torrent already created by the Elders.

The dance ended and two humans were brought back. They were placed kneeling in front of the vampires who had brought them. Harry couldn't hear what was said. His eyesight had been improved by Naya, but his hearing was still that of a regular human. The results were clear even from a distance though as the vampires bit the humans and the torrent of magic that had been gathered enveloped everyone but Harry.

"May we meet again someday," Harry told Ari-Eun. He kissed her hands before heading over to the humans. He found Sanguini's group and ran his fingers over the girl who had wanted an abortion. She was early enough along that it wouldn't be hard. The difficult part was figuring out how to prevent another pregnancy without messing her whole biology up.

Sanguini joined him eventually. "You know their wishes?" he asked.

"I do," Harry said as he glanced up at the sheepish-looking vampire. "She wants money," he said as he pointed to one girl.

"She wants us to get rid of a guy for her. I know several ways of doing that. Preferably without hurting him of course," he continued. "And this one was pregnant and wanted an abortion. I've already dealt with it."

"Will you deal with the other one too or should I?" Sanguini asked.

"I'll take care of it," Harry said. "I hope you have a continued good evening. I have somewhere else to be." He got up and walked away. He checked the address of the guy he needed to find and teleported out. He had some rather difficult spellwork to lay. At least his training with Rashall had prepared him for sneaking around in other people's homes.

1st of November, 1998.

Stars dotted the sky and the moon was slowly blinking when Harry finally made his way home. The house was quiet. It seemed like everyone was asleep. Harry looked into Leoline's room as he passed. He smiled as he saw the little boy lying sideways over the bed with his covers pooling on the floor. He walked in and lifted the covers up. "There you go buddy," he said as he bundled the boy back up. He pulled the door closed before heading over to his own bedroom. The light was on.

Charlie was asleep, but it looked like he had been trying to stay up. A heavy book lay upside-down on the covers. Harry smiled as he headed into the bathroom. He reeked of blood and other not-so-pleasant fluids no matter how much he had tried to stay out of it. The armour fell to the floor as he stepped out of it. It would take him hours to clean it out, but there was no way he was waiting.

Much later as the sun was slowly rising Harry hung his armour up. He rubbed his eyes and yawned.

"Were you out all night?" Charlie asked.

Harry shook his head. "No, but I had to clean up. Vampire rituals get messy," he said. He felt warm hands land on his shoulders.

"They didn't bite you," Charlie said.

"I wouldn't let them," Harry said as he turned around. He leaned in and kissed Charlie. "I'm tired and hungry and I don't really want to go to bed now."

"I guess well head down and check what Winky has made," Charlie said. "Then we could watch some movies with Leoline and give Remus some time to work."

"Sounds good," Harry said. "I love you… you know that right?"

Charlie laughed. "I love you too," he said.